_EX-ARSENAL STAR TELLS CRISTIANO RONALDO: FORGET 1000 CAREER GOALS_
Former Arsenal midfielder, Paul Merson, has cast doubt on Cristiano Ronaldo’s ambition to reach 1000 career goals. Merson believes the Manchester United forward’s goal-scoring pace has slowed significantly.
_MERSON’S VERDICT_
“Cristiano Ronaldo won’t get to 1000 goals. He’s not the same player,” Merson told Sky Sports.
_RONALDO’S CURRENT TALLY_
1. 819 goals in 1,145 games (club and country).
2. Averages 0.71 goals per game.
_GOAL-SCORING DECLINE_
1. 2022-2023: 27 goals in 54 games (0.5 goals per game).
2. 2021-2022: 24 goals in 39 games (0.62 goals per game).
3. 2020-2021: 30 goals in 44 games (0.68 goals per game).
_MERSON’S REASONS_
1. Age: Ronaldo is 38, an age where goal-scoring typically declines.
2. Physicality: Ronaldo’s pace and power have decreased.
3. Team dynamics: Manchester United’s style doesn’t suit Ronaldo’s game.
_RONALDO’S RESPONSE_
Ronaldo has not publicly responded to Merson’s comments, but his determination and work ethic remain unwavering.
_EXPRESSING CONFIDENCE_
“Cristiano’s focus and drive are still there. He’ll continue to defy expectations,” said Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes.
_STATISTICS_
1. Ronaldo’s goal-scoring record:
– Manchester United: 145 goals in 346 games.
– Real Madrid: 450 goals in 438 games.
– Juventus: 101 goals in 134 games.
– Portugal: 122 goals in 198 games.
_SOURCES_
– Sky Sports
– BBC Sport
– ESPN
Would you like more information on Cristiano Ronaldo’s career or Paul Merson’s analysis?
Additional article options:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo’s quest for 1000 goals: An assessment.
2. Paul Merson’s criticism: Fair or unfair?
3. Manchester United’s reliance on Ronaldo: A tactical analysis.
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